Pretty as a picture and looking more like a homemaker than an FBI agent, Jeanne James – a petite, mere sliver of a woman in a bright yellow dress and high heels – recently enthralled the Prospect/Goshen Rotary Club with stories of mobsters and godfathers.

Charming and flirtatious, charismatic and dangerous, these men were enamored with Lilly Bell.

Many of them tried to court her and a few of them even offered her jobs.

As Lilly Bell, James soon discovered that the easiest way to get to the dirty secrets was to befriend the mobsters’ girlfriends and wives.

Often, their trust in Lilly Bell led to Agent James’ entrapment.

James’ cover as a waitress was replaced with that of a high scale jewelry-store owner when she made the move to Los Angeles.

While there, she was also part of the team that convicted the first FBI spy, Richard Miller, in 1984.

Ten years in L.A. were followed by 20 years of service in Louisville where James has served as head of the task force and as a hostage
negotiator.

James has covered bank robbers, murderers, fugitives and stalkers.

Retirement has left James with larger-than-life stories.

After her talk, Rotary president Jo Ann Hepperman presented James with a token Rotary pin.

“We were just so happy Jeanne could be here today. We got a big kick out of her,” Heppermann said.

The Prospect/Goshen Rotary club is currently comprised of 38 members.

Membership is open to all with an annual fee of $160. Last year, the club raised more than $17,000.

While Rotary club members may not have stories as fascinating as former FBI agents, they are also dedicated to service and have helped with notable causes.

“Our club is in service solely to service others and to make the world a better place,” Hepperman said. “Rotary clubs have been credited internationally with defeating polio in developing countries as well as providing clean water and healthcare to single mothers and children.”

Also on the agenda for the meeting was the induction of new member Chris Hibbard.

“I’m very happy to become part of this organization,” Hibbard said. “While there are many different clubs and organizations, I’ve really come to value what the Rotary club stands for.”